We continue our Top 5 posts with Janet Stake, Director, GEAR UP Programming & Outreach at Nevada System of Higher Education. She tells us about her Top 5 Icebreakers that help everyone get to know each other better!
5 Creative Icebreakers That Help Teams Truly Get to Know Each Other
When you are meeting with a group of people, particularly for the first time, an icebreaker can be a fun way to kick it off. Icebreakers don’t have to be predictable or surface-level. When done well, they can spark meaningful conversations, build trust, and uncover interesting stories that might not come up in day-to-day work or interactions.
If you’re looking to go beyond “weekend plans” and “favorite foods,” here are five unique icebreakers that help team members (or student groups) learn something new—and memorable—about each other:
- “The Story Behind It”
Ask everyone to share an item on their desk, in their purse or wallet, or just something nearby and tell the story behind it. It could be a photo, a mug, a book, or even something random. You’ll hear personal stories, unexpected connections, and maybe even a few laughs. - “Two Truths and a Lesson”
Put a twist on the classic. Instead of “two truths and a lie,” ask each person to share two real experiences and one lesson they learned from either of them. It encourages reflection and gives insight into what’s shaped each person. - “My Unusual Skill”
Invite team members to share a skill or talent that others might not expect—anything from solving a Rubik’s cube quickly to baking the perfect sourdough or speaking another language. It’s a great way to highlight hidden talents and spark curiosity. - “A Moment of Change”
Ask: “What’s one experience that changed how you think or approach something?” This can be work-related or personal. It often leads to meaningful conversations and helps teammates better understand each other’s perspectives. - “If I Had to Teach a Class…”
Have each person answer: “If you had to teach a 30-minute class on anything (not related to your job), what would it be?” The answers are often creative, funny, or insightful—and they reveal passions people don’t always get to share.
Great teams, work or study groups, and even social groups are built on connection, and connection starts with understanding. These icebreakers create space for more authentic conversations—and might even uncover shared interests or surprising experiences along the way.
Give one a try at your next meeting or gathering and see what you can discover about each other!
